Pasadena Black History Month Magazine - February 2023 | Pages 57 & 58
BRIDGING THE GAPS OF BLACK PASADENA
written by BRANDON LAMAR
"EVEN THOUGH PASADENA IS A GREAT DIVERSE PLACE TO LIVE, WE CAN'T FORGET THE PAIN OF OUR PAST THAT ALLOWS US TO SEE THE VICTORIES OF THE PRESENT.
In Pasadena, redlining was enforced until 1948 when the U.S. Supreme Court declared it unconstitutional. But its impact still remains today. Maps were used to indicate which neighborhoods were considered "high risk" for mortgage lenders, and those neighborhoods were often predominantly Black and other minority communities, making it difficult for residents to access home loans and build wealth.
Redlining also had a significant impact on the development of Pasadena as it limited the ability of Black residents to own homes in certain areas, and as a result, these areas were not developed, and the community was not able to grow. This has led to a lack of economic opportunities and resources for residents.
Nowadays, Pasadena continues to face the consequences of redlining, with certain neighborhoods still suffering from a lack of economic opportunities and resources.
It's important to acknowledge and address the historic discrimination that redlining caused and its continued impact on communities of color in Pasadena and across the country.
In recent years, there have been efforts to acknowledge and preserve Pasadena's Black history, including the Historic Monument Honoring Minority Communities at the 100 W. Walnut Development Project that was led by the late Honorable John J. Kennedy.
Blacks have played an important role in the history of Pasadena, our contributions, struggles, and achievements should be recognized and celebrated. The city has a rich legacy of Blacks who have been influential in shaping the community and today's efforts should ensure that their legacy is remembered and honored.
In order to ensure that we don't forget our history, we have to work together to preserve the future of Black Pasadena. The time is now to mend and bridge the gap between the generations of Black Pasadena. Bridging the gap between Black Pasadena is important for several reasons:
1 Promoting unity and solidarity: By bringing together individuals from different backgrounds and experiences, Black Pasadena can build a sense of unity and solidarity. This can help address issues affecting the entire community, such as poverty, unemployment, affordable housing, public safety, and discrimination.
2 Fostering mutual understanding and respect: By interacting and communicating with each other, different segments of Black Pasadena can learn from each other and develop mutual understanding and respect. God has called the elders because their wise and the young because of our strength and if we work together we will be unstoppable but first, it starts with RESPECT.
3 Identifying shared goals and vision: By working together, Black Pasadena can identify shared goals and a vision for the future of the community. This can help to build a sense of unity and purpose from all backgrounds.
4 Combating stereotypes and discrimination: Black Pasadena may face different forms of discrimination and prejudice. By coming together and sharing our experiences, the community can challenge these attitudes and stereotypes from City Hall, business, and even housing opportunities.
5 Addressing the specific needs of marginalized communities: By bridging the gap of the Black Pasadena, individuals and organizations can better understand and address the specific needs and concerns of marginalized communities. There is still a lack of opportunities for certain individuals and communities in Pasadena and we must create resources and solutions that will address the real needs.
6 Creating opportunities for economic and social advancement: By working together, Black Pasadena can create economic and social advancement opportunities for generations to come. From politicians, business owners, property owners, engineers, doctors, and city employees we all have the responsibility to share knowledge and wealth to ensure the preservation of Black Pasadena
Pasadena Black History Month Magazine - February 2024 | Pages 23 & 24
PASADENA MARKS 2024 BLACK HISTORY MONTH WITH CELEBRATIONS AND ACTIVITIES
The City of Pasadena will commemorate Black History Month by recognizing the achievements and contributions of African Americans and their central role in our nation's history. Pasadena Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department, Pasadena Public Library, Pasadena Black History Committee, The Friends of the Pasadena Public Library and community groups are offering a month-long series of programs, events and activities for all ages in February. All programs and events are free unless. otherwise noted.
OBSERVATIONS IN BLACK, 8TH EDITION
Artist Alfred Haymond is a self-taught photographer whose approach is described. simply as "The art of finding those mundane. occurrences happening all around us and visually documenting them."
Feb. 129. Mon.-Thur. 10 a.m. 7 p.m., Fri. & Sat. 10 a.m. 6 p.m., Sun. 15 p.m.
Hastings Branch Library, 3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd.
THE HISTORY OF BLACK MUTUAL AID FUNDS IN THE PASADENA COMMUNITY
La Pintoresca's glass display case will house an exhibit with photographs from Pasadena Black Equity Project's digital archive, and educational material about the history and importance of mutual aid in the Pasadena Black community from the 1800s to the present.
Feb. 129. Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m. 6 p.m.
La Pintoresca Branch Library, 1355 N. Raymond Ave.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH MAGAZINE 2024
PASADENA BLACK HISTORY PICTURE WALK
Celebrate notable Black Pasadenans who have made contributions in the area of medicine, literature, sports, government, law, education and civil rights with an outdoor picture walk through Pasadena history all month long.
Feb. 129. Jefferson Branch Library, 1500 E. Villa St.
SUPPORT BLACK-OWNED BUSINESSES IN PASADENA AND ALTADENA
During February and all year long, please support local Black-owned businesses. Visit CityOfPasadena.net/Parks-And-Rec/ to view a list of businesses in the Pasadena and Altadena area with African American owners created in collaboration with Hood Liberation. If you wish to add your business to the list, please fill out the online form.
Feb. 129. CityOfPasadena.net/Parks- And-Rec
ALKEBU-LAN CULTURAL CENTER BLACK HISTORY CELEBRATIONS
Join the Alkebu-lan Cultural Center as they celebrate African American History Month. The programming for the month includes. a workshop, Capoeira lecture, book talks, Pfamily Steppers senior dance performance, the second annual Black Arts Festival,
and more! Please contact the Alkebu-lan Cultural Center at (626) 807-4006 for more information on specific activities, dates, and times.
Feb. 124. Alkebu-lan Cultural Center, 1425 N. Raymond Ave.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH MAGAZINE 2024